We are quickly approaching the first day of winter and the longest night of the year. Vigils in observance of Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day will be held throughout the state, beginning this Friday.

It’s certainly an appropriate time to call attention to the problem of homelessness. Governor Rell has backed away from a commitment to fund 150 units of supportive housing, which would end homelessness for people suffering from physical or mental illness and who have been homeless for a long time.

In Hartford, the vigil will be held on Friday, December 19, there will be a vigil at 5:30 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church, 120 Sigourney Street in Hartford. For more information contact Father Ron Kolanowski at 860-527-8133.

More info about events throughout the state after the jump.

Middletown – Friday, December 19 at 4:00 p.m.
Church of the Holy Trinity, 381 Main St., Middletown
Contact: Agi Erickson at ericksa@chc1.com or 860-224-3642 x5551

New Britain – Friday, December 19 at 1:00 p.m.
South Church, 90 Main Street, New Britain
Contact: Agi Erickson at eriksa@chc1.com or 860-224-3642 x5551

New Haven – Friday, December 19 at 1:00 p.m.
City Hall, New Haven
Contact: Judith Rostein at 203-503-3166 or 203-506-0376

New London – Sunday, December 21 at 6:00 p.m.
St. James Episcopal Church at Huntington and Federal Street, New London
Contact: Fr. Emmett Jarrett, TSSF at 860-437-8890

Norwich – Monday, December 22 at 4:00 p.m.
The event is starting as a walk leaving from the Homeless Hospitality Center to Brown Park
Contact: Bev Goulet, Norwich Human Services at 860-823-3781

Flame photo by Rickydavid on Flickr.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/cuppini/632530852/